The episode drew "Glee's" highest ratings in a year and brought more than one fan to tears as the cast mourned the character of Finn and the real-life death of Monteith, who died from an overdose of heroin and alcohol at age 31. The episode, titled “The Quarterback,” grew “Glee’s” audience 68% over last week in total viewers, with 7.4 million people tuning in.

"American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks wrote on Twitter, "This is such a touching tribute on Glee. I am bawling."

The show's cast was also watching and sharing their warm thoughts of Monteith.

Dot-Marie Jones, who plays Coach Beiste on the show wrote, "EVERYBODY ON TONIGHTS EPISODE WAS WONDERFUL! I AM SO PROUD TO BE A PART OF IT BECAUSE ITS ONE HELL OF A FAMILY, FOREVER BE GRATEFUL!"

And Kevin McHale, who plays wheelchair-bound Artie on the show, wrote, "Tonights Glee was made out of a lot of love & a lot of tears by our incredible crew, cast & creators for our friend Cory. We miss you Cory."

Bryan Santana, the man accused of stabbing his roommate and defiling her corpse, tried to punch a corrections officer, soiled himself and smeared excrement on the wall of a holding cell before his murder trial was due to begin on Tuesday.